Non-majors who do not meet a course’s prerequisite may request permission to enroll from the instructor.
COM 100 Introduction to Majors in Communication. 1(1-0) F,S.
This course is intended for new or prospective Communication majors and minors. The course informs students about programs of study in Communication and assists students in making decisions regarding degree programs and career plans. This is an elective course that will not count towards major or minor requirements. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.
COM 115 Fundamentals of Public Speaking. 3(3-0) F,S.
Instruction and practice in researching, composing, and delivering formal and informal speeches in a variety of public contexts. Representative topics include: ethics in public speaking; listening; library research; outlining; delivery; writing in an oral style; evaluation of public address; and analyzing and adapting to audiences. The course emphasizes informative and persuasive speaking.
COM 120 College Debate. 2(0-4) F,S.
Open to students of freshman or sophomore standing showing exceptional promise in public speaking.
COM 205 Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills. 3(3-0) F,S.
Theory and practice in the principles and skills of interpersonal communication within a variety of contexts. Representative topics include: perception; self-concept development; verbal and nonverbal communication; effective listening techniques; conflict resolution; and sensitivity to cultural and gender differences.
COM 209 Survey of Communication Theory. 3(3-0) F,S.
A survey of selected theoretical approaches to understanding mediated and non-mediated human communication.
COM 210 Communication Research Methods. 3(3-0) F,S.
A survey of the quantitative, qualitative, and rhetorical methods most commonly used for research in communication. Topics include the nature of the research process; research ethics; academic vs. applied research; evaluating research; and a discussion of specific research methods such as experimental design, statistical interpretation, survey research, individual and group interviewing, sampling and polling, content analysis, ethnography, qualitative analysis techniques, and rhetorical analysis.
COM 300 Careers in Communication. 1(1-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120. This course assists Communication students to assess their abilities and qualifications, to research professional opportunities, and to prepare for job searching and career planning.
COM 305 Service Learning in Communication. 1 F,S.
Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a communication course designated as a service learning offering. This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in communication to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated but no more than two hours of service learning credit may count toward graduation.
COM 307 Gender and Communication. 3(3-0) D.
This course examines theory and research on gender and communication. Its purpose is to help students explore how gender and communication are interrelated, how these concepts intertwine with other aspects of our identities, and how these factors play out in their own lives.
COM 309 (409) Principles of Public Relations. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120. Study of the development, planning, and implementation of communication programs and campaigns. Emphasis on the professional practices and ethical standards important to effective communication within organizations, and between organizations and their publics.
COM 315 Public Speaking II. 3(3-0) S.
Prerequisite: COM 115. Study and practice in speech research, composition and presentation. Emphasis is placed on speeches for business and the professions.
COM 320 Inter-Collegiate Debating I. 2(0-4) F.
Open only to those chosen to debate as University representatives.
COM 321 Inter-Collegiate Debating II. 2(0-4) S.
Open only to those chosen to debate as University representatives.
COM 322 Introduction to Argumentation. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115. Fundamental theories of argument. This course will meet the secondary teaching certification requirements for a minimum of 2 semester hours in debate.
COM 325 Nonverbal Communication. 3(3-0) D.
This course examines the methods of research in nonverbal communication, the types or sub codes of nonverbal behaviors, and the application of nonverbal behaviors in social situations.
COM 326 Effective Listening. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120. The purpose of this course is to prepare the student to understand listening attitudes and behavior and to build a program for improvement in listening skills through application of listening theory to practical situations.
COM 328 Persuasion. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210 and MED 120. Modern theories of persuasion with some evaluation of specific case studies.
COM 331 Employment Interviewing. 1(1-0) D.
Students will examine the employment interviewing process as an instance of applied persuasion from the perspective of the job applicant. Topics include: anticipating employer questions, types of commonly asked questions, asking questions during the close, nonverbal elements of persuasive interviewing, the structure of the selection interview, creating positive first impressions, and writing thank you letters after the interview.
COM 332 Small Group Communication. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Basic theory and techniques of oral interaction in group activities.
COM 336 Communication in Organizations. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Analysis of communication processes as they occur within organizations. Students study both the effects of the organizational context on communication as well as the role of communication in shaping organizational life and effectiveness.
COM 337 Writing II: Organizational Symbolism. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: ENG 110 and COM 210 and 45 hours. Students will examine the production of meaning in organizations through the use of symbols. Students will learn how to locate, examine, and interpret the symbols to be found within and across organizational settings. The course is writing intensive, culminating in a significant written organizational analysis. Students will learn and practice the scholarly discourse in the discipline of Communication.
COM 350 The Rhetorical Tradition and Contemporary Applications. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. A survey of rhetorical theory from the classical period until present. The relevance of the rhetorical tradition to contemporary communication theory and practice is stressed.
COM 360 Introduction to Intercultural Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. This course investigates the nature of communication between people from different cultures and nations.
COM 379 (JRN) Writing for Public Relations. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: JRN 270. Study and preparation of copy for press releases, news letters, brochures, annual reports, and other written public relations communications.
COM 390 Communication and Aging. 3(3-0) D.
Communication theories as they apply to the aging process. Examination of the effects of communication on the self-esteem, self-perception, well-being, and quality of life of the elderly. Study of communication between the elderly, the elderly and the young, and the elderly and their caregivers in a variety of contexts, including in one-on-one, family, and mediated situations.
COM 397 Topics in Communication. 1-3, D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120. A course covering a single topic within the field of Communication; subject will vary according to student demand and faculty availability. Examples include Conflict and Conflict Management, and Gender Differences. May be repeated up to a total of 6 hours with permission of department. Variable Content Course.
COM 405 Interpersonal Communication. 3(3-0) F.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. A survey of contemporary interpersonal communication theories and issues within a variety of contexts.
COM 417 (SEC) Teaching of Speech and Theatre. (Identical with THE 417) 3(3-0) F.
Prerequisite: EDC 350, SPE 340, IMT 365, 12 hours in communication and 12 hours in theatre. Scope and objectives of the speech and theatre program in secondary schools; organization and administration of curricular and co-curricular programs; general instruction methodology. Completion of Checkpoint II for the Professional Portfolio is a component of this course. This course is recommended to be completed the fall semester before student teaching. Credited only on B.S. in Education (Secondary). A grade of “C” or better is required in this course in order to take COM 490 or COM 491. May not be taken Pass/Not Pass. Cannot receive credit for both COM 417 and THE 417.
COM 436 Communication and Leadership. 3(3-0) S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. In depth study of the relationship between communication and leadership within organizations and the development of specific communication competencies associated with effective leadership.
COM 439 Techniques and Cases in Public Relations. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 210 and COM 309 and COM 328; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Communication theories and techniques of message preparation as applied to the function of organizational promotion.
COM 449 Communication Programs and Issues Management. 3(3-0) F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 210 and COM 429 and COM 439; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Analysis and practice in strategic communication program planning and management, including techniques relevant to effective crisis communication and issues management.
COM 490 Supervised Teaching of Speech (Secondary). 6, F,S.
Prerequisite: completion of all method courses in chosen content area; a grade of “C” or better in all professional education courses; approval for student teaching. Student observes, then teaches under the direction of the cooperating teacher and the college supervisor. Student participates in school-related activities appropriate to the assignment and attends all required meetings. Credited only on B.S. in Education (Secondary). Students will be required to complete the work on the Professional Preparation Portfolio which will be included as a portion of the course grade. Will not count toward the major GPA. Cannot receive credit for both SEC 493 and COM 490. Cannot receive credit for both COM 490 and THE 490.
COM 491 Supervised Teaching of Speech and Theatre (Secondary) 6, F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 490 or concurrent enrollment. Student observes, then teaches under the direction of the cooperating teacher and the college supervisor. Student participates in school-related activities appropriate to the assignment and attends all required meetings. Credited only on B.S. in Education (Secondary). Students will be required to complete the work on the Professional Preparation Portfolio which will be included as a portion of the course grade. Will not count toward the major GPA. Cannot receive credit for both SEC 494 and COM 491. Cannot receive credit for both COM 491 and THE 491.
COM 493 Clinical Experiences in Teaching II. 4, F,S.
Prerequisite: EDC 199 and admitted to Teacher Education Program and grades of “C” or better in all professional education courses and passing the appropriate Praxis II exam and completion of portfolio checkpoints 1 and 2. This course is designed to meet HB 1711 for student’s experience as a Teacher’s Aide or Assistant Rule (Rule 5 CSR 80-805.040), to that of conventional student teachers within the same program. It is also designed to support completion of additional clinical requirements within that program including: seminars and workshops, required meetings, school related activities appropriate to the assignment, demonstrated mastery of the MOSTEP quality indicators and completion and overall assessment of a Professional Preparation Portfolio. This course is credited only on B.S. in Education or appropriate master’s-level certification programs. Can only receive credit for one of the following: AGE 499, AGT 499, ART 469, BSE 499, CFS 498, COM 493, ECE 499, ELE 499, ENG 434, HST 499, MCL 491, MID 499, MTH 496, MUS 499, PED 498, SCI 499, SEC 499, SPE 499, THE 493.
COM 495 Communication Internship. 1-6, F,S.
Prerequisite: Communication major or minor and admitted to degree program and permission of Internship Coordinator. Supervised pre-professional field experience related to communication studies. Meeting minimum prerequisite requirements does not guarantee internship placement. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours with permission of the Internship Coordinator. No more than 3 hours may be applied to a Communication minor.
COM 496 Readings in Communication and Persuasion. 2-3, F,S.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120 and permission of instructor; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Supervised independent study exploring in-depth selected areas. Selected readings controlled by conferences, progress reports and term papers. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.
COM 499 Program Assessment. 0(0-0) D.
Prerequisite: permission of department head. Required assessment of programs for all communication majors. Must be taken during the last semester of graduation or of residence. Assessment activities include submission of a cumulative academic portfolio and may include other elements such as exit interviews, surveys, or examinations. The focus is on communication program development, rather than on individual student evaluation. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.
COM 500 Service Learning in Communication Graduate Study. 1, F,S.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and concurrent registration for graduate credit in a communication, media, or journalism course designated as a service learning offering. This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in communications to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated but no more than 1 hour of service learning credit may count toward a masters degree.
COM 505 Health Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Examination of communication theory in the health care context. Emphasis will be on communication effectiveness in health care professional/client relationships, in addition to message practices in small group, organizational, and mediated health campaign settings.
COM 506 Family Communication. 3(3-0) D.
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth examination of communication as it functions in family systems.
COM 509 Proseminar in Public Relations. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Readings and applications in chosen areas of professional communication practice. May be repeated once for credit. Variable Content Course.
COM 510 Direction of Forensic Activities. 2(2-0)D.
Prerequisite: COM 322 or permission. Problems in coaching and conducting forensic contests.
COM 511 Communication, Community, and Conflict. 3(3-0) D.
This course equips students to understand the dynamics of interpersonal conflict and its resolution in a variety of community settings. Students will learn to analyze their own conflict styles and to develop self-regulation strategies for collaborative outcomes. The course covers conflict theory and research and applies these ideas to current community and organizational settings and diverse populations. Lectures/discussions by scholars, community leaders, and/or agency personnel who deal with conflict as well as simulations of conflict situations will be provided.
COM 512 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace. 3(3-0) D.
Exploration of current theory and research regarding communication and diversity in the workplace. Study of practical applications for the assessment and training of communication skills relative to culture, race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation and other diversity issues. Emphasis is placed on improving understanding of communication similarities and differences among diverse population groups. Includes readings, class discussion, observation, and/or class projects about assessment and training in communication skills in a diverse workplace.
COM 521 Communication, Mediation, and Negotiation. 3(3-0) D.
This course explores the communicative foundation for understanding the processes of mediation and negotiation as methods for resolving conflict, with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational conflict. The course covers theories and concepts pertaining to mediation and negotiation, particularly alternative dispute resolution, and provides students the opportunity to apply concepts through a variety of experiential activities.
COM 550 Political Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Communication majors must complete COM 210. Examination of the communication process in modern political campaigns. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication strategies and tactics in political organization, message formation, fund raising, and mass media usage.
COM 566 Social Movement Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Examination of social movement communication with emphasis on functionalist, dramatistic, and symbolic convergence theories. Study of movements’ use of communication to generate discontent, mobilize and coordinate support, defend themselves and attack opponents, and negotiate with external groups. Critical analysis of collective actions such as student, civil rights, identity, labor, religious, feminist, lesbian/gay, and utopian movements.
COM 597 Studies in Communication Theory and Practice. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120. In-depth examination of a specific communication topic. May vary from semester to semester and, with permission of the department, may be repeated to a total of 12 hours. Variable Content Course.